Resists Raising, Lifting, or Bending a Limb

If you notice apparent wobbliness or weakness, in addition to this sign.

If there seems to be pain, swelling or lameness.

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If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.

If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.

If you do not notice lameness.

There are several possible reasons why a horse may resist raising, lifting, or bending a limb.

When an injured joint is put into flexion or any injured tissue is stressed, pain can result causing a horse to withdraw or resist. Pain in or injury to the opposite (weight bearing limb or support limb) limb can also cause a horse to resist lifting the other limb because it hurts to bear weight on the affected limb.

Horses that are weak or suffering neurologic deficits may also resist having a limb lifted because they lose their balance or stability.

In some cases, no obvious physical basis for this behavior is identified. In these cases, this behavior may result from either a training deficiency or handing error.

WHAT TO DO

Assess your horse’s general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to the presence or absence of lameness. Assess both the lifted limb and the support limb carefully, looking for swelling or other abnormalities of either limb.

Compare your horse’s response when the same manipulation is done with the opposite limb.

Consider the horse’s training and your own ability. Could this be strictly a behavioral problem? Share your findings and concerns with your vet.

WHAT YOUR VET DOES

Your vet will usually start with a thorough history and physical exam, paying particular attention to the affected limb(s), in attempt to determine whether this behavior has an underlying physical cause.

Depending on their initial findings, your vet may also recommend a lameness and/or neurologic exam. Some vets will be able to help with the behavioral aspects of this problem too.

What Not To Do

Do not repeatedly attempt to solve this behavioral problem without first ruling out potential physical causes.

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